Author: Chloe Coutinho

Metso divests its ferrous business Metso has signed an agreement to sell its ferrous business to SMS group, a global company providing technology and services in plant construction and mechanical engineering for the metals industry. Some of the businesses to be divested include travelling grate pelletising and CircoredTM direct reduction process, as well as the related service business. About 180 employees, primarily based in Germany, India and China, are planned to join the SMS group at the closing of the transaction. The closing of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to take place in Q1 CY26. Metso minerals business area president Piia Karhu says SMS group is...

MRIWA unearths new frontiers for mineral exploration New research released this week into ancient sedimentation, deformation and mineralisation could support renewed exploration interest in under-explored areas of WA. The ancient sediments of the Yeneena Basin in WA’s north host proven mineral resources including the Telfer (gold-copper), Nifty (copper) and recently discovered Winu (copper-gold) deposits. However, the wider mineral potential of much of this region, remains largely unknown, with the deformed basin fill and its rich endowment of gold, copper, uranium and other metals largely obscured by generations of later...

Queensland kicks off its critical minerals The Queensland Government has saved an Australian-first critical minerals facility in Townsville, with construction of the Queensland Resources Common User Facility starting up. Once operational in late 2026, mining companies will be able to test their mineral processing techniques at the facility and progress samples to market, accelerating commercial development opportunities. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie says the Queensland Government is rescuing the project to drive regional jobs and supercharge the state’s critical minerals capability. “The Government recognises the important role this project...

PLS powers up Pilgangoora A lithium powered battery energy storage system (BESS) has been energised at PLS’ (ASX: PLS) Pilgangoora operation in WA marking the completion of stage 1 of the company’s power strategy. The BESS further improves stability and reliability of power at the Pilgangoora operation and decreases power-related emissions intensity. PLS chief sustainability officer Sandra McInnes says the completion of stage 1 of the power strategy is a positive step forward. “Having reliable and stable power is key to our 24-hour remote mining operation,” she said. “The power station upgrade...

Rio Tinto looks to double bauxite production Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will begin early works and conduct final engineering studies to increase production capacity at its Amrun bauxite mine in Queensland, aiming for first output in 2029. The project — named Kangwinan at the request of Traditional Owners, the Wik Waya people — will involve building a new mine and expanding the existing port to almost double bauxite production from Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations, where Amrun is located. Production from the Kangwinan project would replace output from the Andoom mine in Cape York...

WA Premier prioritises ASEAN WA Premier Roger Cook is travelling to Indonesia and Singapore with the aim of reaffirming the state's important role in supporting the energy transition and decarbonisation of the ASEAN region. While in Indonesia, WA Premier Cook will participate in strategic engagements with the East Java Provincial Government, Indonesia Australia Business Council East Java Chapter and the Australian Consul-General in Surabaya. The WA Premier will spend two days in Surabaya before flying to Singapore. In Singapore, the Premier will participate in a roundtable discussion with government, businesses and investors to discuss energy transition and decarbonisation and related opportunities. WA Premier Cook...

Rio Tinto to invest $1.4b in lithium JV Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Corporación Nacional Del Cobre de Chile (Codelco) have signed binding agreements to form a joint venture to develop and operate a high-grade lithium project in the Salar de Maricunga in Chile. The agreement is the next step in a broader strategic partnership to strengthen both Rio Tinto’s and Chile’s positions as leading suppliers of materials for the global energy transition. Salar de Maricunga is a large lithium-containing resource base in the Atacama region with the potential for scalable, long-life and low-cost production. Its brine has one of the highest average grades of lithium content in the...

BMA scholars graduate from CQ University Three BMA-funded scholars celebrated their successes at the CQ University graduation ceremony in Mackay, Queensland. Bachelor of Nursing graduate Michelle Erikson and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) graduate Julieanne Bergmann joined hundreds of fellow graduates who received their official certification with the help of their BMA scholarships. Michelle is a mum of four children with no extended family support in Mackay. She relied on both her husband and the CQUniCares BMA Community Scholarship funding to help get her through her studies....

Barminco inks $500m contract Perenti’s (ASX: PRN) underground mining subsidiary, Barminco, has signed a new contract to continue underground mining operations at the Agnew gold mine for Gold Fields. Agnew is near Leinster, WA and includes multiple underground operations. As part of the renewal, development and production undertaken by Barminco has been agreed for another 3-years plus a 1-year extension option. Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell says the company is pleased to be extending its relationship with Gold Fields at the Agnew gold mine. “Gold Fields is one of our most longstanding and...

Rio Tinto’s largest hydroelectric investment in over 70 years Rio Tinto is investing $1.8b (US$1.2b) to modernise its Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, marking the miner’s largest single investment in its hydroelectric assets since the 1950s. The power plant modernisation is essential to secure the future of low-carbon aluminium production in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, supporting the jobs of employees across the region. This allows Rio Tinto to protect its assets for the long term, ensure a more efficient, safe and reliable power supply of renewable energy to smelters, casting houses and other facilities and maintain safe operations for its employees and the community. The...

Decmil awarded $80m in contracts Macmahon Holdings’ (ASX: MAH) wholly owned subsidiary, Decmil, has been awarded two new contracts from Eva Copper Mine and Arrow Energy. Decmil will deliver the new operations permanent village at the Eva Copper Mine in Queensland, adding about $70m to Macmahon’s secured orderbook. The project involves the design and construction of a 454-person accommodation village, including accommodation units, central facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, internal roads, drainage, bulk earthworks, services installation and associated infrastructure. Works are set to commence in mid-2025, with completion expected in 2026. In WA, Decmil will...